In honor of the 100th Anniversary - the Church invited the “Italian-American Band” of Lawrence, Massachusetts, to travel to Utica all the way from their town which is just north of Boston.
The Band, in their blue uniforms, lined up behind the Red Band for the first small procession to escort two young boys dressed as the Saints from a nearby house to the Church for Mass.
We discovered that both bands had three of the same songs in their march books – Invercargill, Bravura and Our Director so we were able to play as one large band using these marches. We blended as one – what a solid-strong sound.
After the Mass we lined up for the Grand Procession. The Red Band split into two units as usual for this event. The Front Band led the procession right behind the Police escort car.
The band was followed by scores of Pilgrims saying the Rosary in Italian, a Statue of the Blessed Mother, and a man dressed as St. Padre Pio.
The Italian-American Band played for the Statue of St. Cosmas and was followed by another large contingent of Pilgrims.
The Red Band’s back band was at the end following the Statue of St. Damian.
When we returned all three bands joined side by side to play the three marches in front of the Church until the Statues were carried safely inside.In a spirit of comradery the Red Band played a “Marcia Reale” as a salute to the Italian-America Band and they immediately returned the salute to us.
The members of the Red Band truly savored this rare experience of getting to play with another Italian band. They were so friendly, warm and talented.
VIVA to all the Musicians
of the Sts. Cosmas and Damian Feast VIVA!!!
For more photos of the Proession please click on the following link
